Real Madrid Signs Yan Diomande in Record Transfer Deal
Real Madrid confirmed an agreement with RB Leipzig for winger Yan Diomande on Thursday. The 19-year-old will join on a seven-year contract running through June 30, 2033.
- €125 million base fee plus up to €15 million in add-ons, per MARCA.
- Diomande scored 13 goals and added 10 assists in 36 competitive matches for Leipzig.
- PSG dropped out over fee concerns; Liverpool had a bid rejected in June.
- Diomande won the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season award in 2025-26.
Why it matters: The deal is the costliest in Real Madrid's history and accelerates a full squad overhaul. Madrid went two straight seasons without a major trophy while rival Barcelona won five of six available trophies.
- Total summer spending has reached €225 million, partially offset by €184.5 million in player sales.
- Diomande is the sixth arrival, joining Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Carlos Espi.
How 9 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center highlights Diomande's American backstory — raised in Daytona Beach and developed at DME Academy — as a distinctive angle on a European transfer story.
USA Today2hVinicius Jr. signs new contract with Real Madrid, ending Arsenal transfer rumors
Reuters3hVinícius Jr. acerta renovação com Real Madrid com contrato até 2032
ESPN2hVini Jr. agrees new 6-year deal to stay at Madrid
BBC News4hVinicius Jr and Real Madrid agree new six-year deal
Forbes6hReal Madrid Officially Announces Record First Team Transfer
Heavy3hReal Madrid Locks Up Vinicius Jr. on 6-Year Deal With Jose Mourinho’s HelpLeft coverage, 2 sources: The left frames Diomande's signing through his Ivorian identity and World Cup participation, emphasizing his national and continental significance.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right focuses on the business and competitive context: record spending, Perez's commitment to dethroning Barcelona, and Mourinho's rebuilt squad.
What’s next: Diomande has landed in Madrid and must pass a medical before being officially registered.
- Madrid has also been linked with Manchester City midfielder Rodri for further reinforcement.
- Will Madrid complete a deal for Rodri, and does Diomande's arrival fully end pursuit of Bayern Munich's Michael Olise?
- How will Franco Mastantuono's role be resolved, with reports pointing to a loan move to Fiorentina?